Hon Hai Precision Industryhttp://www.maclife.com/taxonomy/term/16130/all
enApple Partners Hon Hai, Pegatron on Rumored Hiring Spree Ahead of iPhone 6http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_partners_hon_hai_pegatron_rumored_hiring_spree_ahead_iphone_6
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/foxconn_iphone_packing_620px.png" alt="Foxconn iPhone packing" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Now here's one of those reports that won't exactly come as a surprise: It's late June and Apple suppliers in mainland China are said to be recruiting new hires to assemble Cupertino's latest smartphone.<br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/06/23/honhai-pegatron-hiring-idUSL4N0P405G20140623" target="_blank"><br />Reuters reported Sunday</a> that Apple partners Hon Hai Precision Industry and Pegatron Corp. are ramping up recruitment of factory workers ahead of the iPhone 6, with the former said to hire more than 100,000 people.<br /><br />According to Taiwan's Economic Daily News, that's would be the "largest single hiring spree in China" ever, even for what the news outlet describes as "the world's largest contract manufacturer of electronic goods."<br /><br />While Hon Hai (better known to the world for its Foxconn division) is expected to handle manufacturing chores for 70 percent of Apple's next handset, Taiwanese partner Pegatron is also said to be ramping up hiring at one of its own Chinese factories by as much as 30 percent to handle the remainder of Cupertino's needs.<br /><br />Neither company would comment on the report, which points to "expected high demand" for the iPhone 6 as the rather obvious reason for the hiring surge. Apple is expected to debut its latest smartphone as early as September to ship alongside the new iOS 8 operating system.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="https://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_partners_hon_hai_pegatron_rumored_hiring_spree_ahead_iphone_6#commentsNewsApple Inc.apple manufacturingChinaFoxconnHon HaiHon Hai Precision IndustryiOS 8iphone 6iphone 6 rumorsPegatronRumorsiPhoneMon, 23 Jun 2014 13:03:40 +0000J.R. Bookwalter20193 at http://www.maclife.comImproved iPhone 5s Availability Credited to 24-Hour Foxconn Productionhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/improved_iphone_5s_availability_credited_24hour_foxconn_production
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/foxconn_iphone_packing_620px.png" alt="Foxconn assembly line" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>In case you haven't noticed, it's much easier to find an iPhone 5s these days, and that's apparently because Apple has cranked up Foxconn production of the flagship handsets all the way to 11.<br /><em><br /><a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2013/11/27/iphone-5s-wait-time-drops-as-foxconn-boosts-production/" target="_blank">The Wall Street Journal</a></em><a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2013/11/27/iphone-5s-wait-time-drops-as-foxconn-boosts-production/" target="_blank"> reported Wednesday</a> that iPhone 5s availability has been "shortened significantly" thanks to recent efforts by Apple supplier Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. to run its factories around the clock.<br /><br />Better known to the public as Foxconn, executives at the Taiwanese manufacturer claim there are now around 600 workers lined up along each of its 100 production lines, all pumping out iPhone 5s models night and day.<br /><br />“We have been churning out about 500,000 iPhone 5s [handsets] everyday, the highest daily output ever,” one unnamed executive confirmed.<br /><br />The ramped-up effort is employing about 300,000 workers at Foxconn's Zhengzhou site alone, which are dedicated to keeping iPhone 5s availability at three to five business days or less, compared to last month's two to three week ship times.<br /><br />“For the iPhone 5c or the iPhone 5, we only have 500 workers per production line as the assembly procedure is less complicated,” the Hon Hai executive elaborated. “Although the market had concerns over demand for the new iPhone before its launch, our Zhengzhou site’s production capacity for iPhones has continued to grow over the past two years.”<br /><br />And little wonder: Apple reportedly makes up nearly 40 percent of Hon Hai's revenue as it continues to fend off smaller competitors Pegatron Corp. and Wistron Corp., especially as Cupertino eyes adding more partners to its Asian supply chain.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/improved_iphone_5s_availability_credited_24hour_foxconn_production#commentsNewsApple Inc.apple manufacturingavailabilityFoxconnHon Hai Precision IndustryiPhone 5Ssmartphonessupply chainTaiwaniPhoneWed, 27 Nov 2013 14:23:59 +0000J.R. Bookwalter18732 at http://www.maclife.comFoxconn Reportedly Shuts Down iPhone 5c Production at One Factoryhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/foxconn_reportedly_shuts_down_iphone_5c_production_one_factory
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/foxconn_iphone_packing_620px.png" alt="Foxconn iPhone packing" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Just how poorly is the iPhone 5c selling? While we'll never know for sure, at least one Foxconn factory is apparently shifting its focus to the iPhone 5s, which continues to be the more coveted device.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20131117PD200.html" target="_blank">DigiTimes reported Monday</a> that a Foxconn factory in northern China that has been steadily pumping out iPhone 5c models may now be shifting its focus to Apple's flagship smartphone instead.<br /><br />According to industry sources, parent company Hon Hai Precision Industry plans to stop production of the colorful new iPhone 5c at its Zhengzhou factory, instead increasing the production capacity of the more expensive iPhone 5s.<br /><br />While Foxconn declined to comment on any changes at its factories, Apple reportedly already lowered iPhone 5s orders by as much as 20 percent at competitor Pegatron, while slashing Foxconn manufacturing by nearly one-third for the fourth quarter.<br /><br />Sources claim those cuts were made "due to unsatisfactory sales" of the less-expensive iPhone 5c as consumers increasingly choose the higher-priced iPhone 5s, especially the gold model which has been in demand since the launch in late September.<br /><br />DigiTimes also notes that a separate report from China's Ctechcn.com claims Foxconn won't actually stop production of the iPhone 5c at the Zhengzhou factory, but rather "reduce weekly output slightly."<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/foxconn_reportedly_shuts_down_iphone_5c_production_one_factory#commentsNewsApple Inc.assemblyChinaDigiTimesFoxconnHon Hai Precision IndustryiPhone 5CiPhone 5SManufacturingiPhoneMon, 18 Nov 2013 14:32:15 +0000J.R. Bookwalter18644 at http://www.maclife.comAmidst Rumors of Weak Demand, Apple Reduces iPhone 5c Shipmentshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/amidst_rumors_weak_demand_apple_reduces_iphone_5c_shipments
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/iphone_5c_livestream_620px.png" alt="iPhone 5c" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Is the iPhone 5c living up to Apple's expectations? Outside of its Cupertino headquarters, that's anyone's guess, but a new report claims the company is cutting back on fourth quarter orders for the handset.<br /><br /><a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304864504579138761727258256" target="_blank"><em>The Wall Street Journal</em> reported Wednesday</a> that Apple may be reducing orders for the iPhone 5c ahead of the holiday season, a report that's in line with recent analyst concerns over "weaker-than-expected demand" for the device.<br /><br />According to sources inside Taiwanese companies Pegatron and Hon Hai Precision Industry, shipments of the entry-level iPhone 5c will be cut in the fourth quarter, despite being priced $100 below the equivalent 16GB iPhone 5s.<br /><br />Apple will apparently trim Pegatron orders by "less than 20 percent," while Hon Hai will see nearly a third of their orders reduced, according to two people close to the situation. The cuts were ordered earlier this month, at which time Hon Hai "stopped hiring additional workers" to assemble the iPhone 5c.<br /><br />"One component supplier was notified of a 50 percent cut in orders for iPhone 5C parts, which analysts say could suggest a slowdown in device shipments next year, or mean an inventory reduction by assemblers," the report added.<br /><br />It's important to note that analysts have been down on the iPhone 5c since it was first announced last month. Wall Street incorrectly assumed the handset would be a truly "budget" model priced around $350 off contract, when in reality the device costs $200 more when purchased unlocked.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/amidst_rumors_weak_demand_apple_reduces_iphone_5c_shipments#commentsNewsanalystsapple manufacturingcutbacksHon Hai Precision IndustryiPhone 5CordersPegatronreductionshipmentsiPhoneWed, 16 Oct 2013 13:33:54 +0000J.R. Bookwalter18335 at http://www.maclife.comOvernight Recap: Windows 8.1 Release, Roku Trumps Apple TV, Hon Hai Profitshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_windows_81_release_roku_trumps_apple_tv_hon_hai_profits
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/roku_streaming_chart_620px.jpg" alt="Roku streaming chart" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>We know most of you are probably locked away playing Plants vs. Zombies 2, which finally hit the App Store late Wednesday night after numerous delays. But hey, everyone needs a break once in a while, so why not spend a few minutes catching up on the rest of the news you might have missed while you were taking care of those pesky zombies…?</p><h3>Microsoft Confirms Windows 8.1 for October 17</h3><p>It's a date! <a href="http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2013/08/14/mark-your-calendars-for-windows-8-1.aspx" target="_blank">Microsoft's Blogging Windows announced Wednesday</a> that the Windows 8.1 update will be available for download in the early morning hours of October 17, with retail availability to follow the next day. Current Windows 8 users will be able to download the free update from the Windows Store, which sorta, kinda restores the Start button as well as a host of other improvements to personalization, Internet Explorer 11 and cloud connectivity with SkyDrive.</p><h3>Roku Touts Position as Most-Used Streaming Video Device</h3><p>The folks at Roku are feeling pretty cocky this week, <a href="http://blog.roku.com/blog/2013/08/14/roku-is-number-one/" target="_blank">announcing Wednesday</a> that their little black boxes have been ranked as the most-used media device for streaming video in the U.S., with 37 percent of the market compared to Apple TV's 24 percent. The data released by Parks Associates doesn't quite jibe with Roku's own sales figures — despite Roku having more than 1,000 channels on its platform, the <a href="http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2013/05/29/apple-tvs-market-share/" target="_blank">Apple TV continues to outsell it</a>. But it's good news for both companies regardless, since they're effectively leaving competitors way behind, with only Sony nipping at their heels in a distant third place.</p><h3>Foxconn Parent Reports 41 Percent Jump in Net Profits</h3><p><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324769704579010324071204210.html" target="_blank"><em>The Wall Street Journal</em> is reporting</a> that Foxconn parent company Hon Hai Precision Industry has posted a 41 percent increase in net profit for the second quarter, buoyed by healthy sales of Apple's iPhone. Curiously, Apple's own net profit for the same calendar quarter dipped by 22 percent from the previous year due to the ongoing gap in its own product release schedule. While Hon Hai's Foxconn division assembles iPhones and iPads, other subsidiaries like FIH Mobile have been reporting losses from manufacturing handsets for Nokia and Motorola, but racked up a $17.2 million net profit — the first in four years — thanks to new clients such as Huawei and Vizio.</p><h3>Google Now Features Integrated Into Voice Search</h3><p><a href="http://googleblog.blogspot.ie/2013/08/just-ask-google-for-your-flights.html" target="_blank">The Google Official Blog announced Wednesday</a> that the company's Voice Search is now adding a number of Google Now-style features, including the ability for English-speaking users to ask information on flights, restaurant reservations, purchases, upcoming plans and even photos uploaded to Google+. The feature is rolling out to all U.S. users throughout this week on all desktop, tablet and smartphone platforms, so if you're not seeing it just yet, check back in a bit.</p><h3>Amazon Web Services Adds Cross-Platform Push Notifications</h3><p><a href="http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=176060&amp;p=irol-newsArticle&amp;ID=1847192&amp;highlight=" target="_blank">Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced</a> that developers will now be able to implement the cross-platform Amazon Simple Notification System (SNS) with Mobile Push, which is free of charge for the first million notifications per month. One big advantage of the service is its ability to send push notifications across platforms, including Amazon's own Kindle Fire as well as iOS and Android. Notifications can be sent to individual users or broadcast to any number of subscribers at the same time, with affordable pricing for developers who need more than the one million free per month.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_windows_81_release_roku_trumps_apple_tv_hon_hai_profits#commentsNewsApple TVHon Hai Precision IndustryMicrosoftovernight recapRokustreaming videoVoice SearchWindows 8.1iPadiPhoneiPodMacThu, 15 Aug 2013 12:31:14 +0000J.R. Bookwalter17780 at http://www.maclife.comFoxconn Reveals iOS-Compatible Smart Wristbandhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/foxconn_reveals_ioscompatible_smart_wristband
<!--paging_filter--><p>An Apple-produced smartwatch may still exist only in the realm of rumor, but that isn't stopping third-party manufacturers from producing iOS-compatible smartwatches of their own. Enter Foxconn's smart wristband. According to the <a href="http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20130627000079&amp;cid=1206" target="_blank">Want China Times</a>, the iOS-compatible machine can measure your heartbeat and respiration, in addition to checking phone calls and making Facebook posts.</p><p>Foxconn's smartwatch thus largely seems designed for health or medical purposes; indeed, it even gives you tips on how to stay healthy if your vital signs aren't where they should be. As such, it almost seems like an advanced <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/nike_fuelband_will_remain_ios_exclusive" target="_blank">Nike FuelBand.</a> During today's shareholder meeting at Hon Hai Precision Industry (Foxconn's Taiwanese parent company), company leader Terry Gou also announced that Foxconn's looking for ways to incorporate fingerprint detection into the design, specifically for the purpose of recording health data.</p><p><img src="/files/u334114/2013/06/smartwristband.jpg" width="620" height="409" /></p><p><strong>Image Source: <a href="http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20130627000079&amp;cid=1206" target="_blank">Want China Times</a></strong></p><p>It's not quite the Dick Tracy-styled gadget some of you have been hoping for, and it certainly doesn't come close to the complexity of <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/sony_unveils_androidpowered_waterresistant_smartwatch_2" target="_blank">Sony's Android-powered SmartWatch</a> that we discussed earlier this week. But it's a start, right?</p><p>We know that Apple's working on a smartwatch of some sort, especially after a report surfaced in the <a href="http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/10/disruptions-apple-is-said-to-be-developing-a-curved-glass-smart-watch/?_r=0" target="_blank">New York Times</a> back in February that mentioned Apple's experiments with curved glass. Not long after, <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-12/apple-said-to-have-team-developing-wristwatch-computer.html" target="_blank">Bloomberg</a> followed up with news that 100 product designers at Apple were working on developing a smartwatch. Alas, Apple didn't reveal anything about the product during WWDC.</p><p><em> Follow this article's writer, <a href="https://twitter.com/LeifJohnson" target="_blank">Leif Johnson</a>, on Twitter.</em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/foxconn_reveals_ioscompatible_smart_wristband#commentsNewsFoxconnHon Hai Precision Industrymedicalsmartwatchsmartwristbandvital signswristbandFri, 28 Jun 2013 01:03:17 +0000Leif Johnson17394 at http://www.maclife.com